My Cart 
Login 

This site exists for one purpose only: to help dispel the ugly and absolutely untrue myth that poetry is boring. Granted, a lot of poetry is boring, but you won't find it here. At Your Daily Poem, you'll find poetry that is touching, funny, provocative, inspiring, uplifting, and surprising. It may punch you in the gut, it may bring tears to your eyes, it may make you laugh out loud, but it most assuredly will not bore you!

Poetry on YDP—by poets living and long dead, famous to completely unknown--is specially selected for accessibility and appeal. Thanks so much for visiting—and remember: a poem a day keeps the doldrums away!


 



Phoenix
by
Miriam Ruff

The flame burns hot
Within me
Passion’s fuel
Consumes
Transforms
The sea Outside
Bears down
With crushing weight
To quench the blaze
I fight back but
I am small
The forces against me
Overwhelming
And I succumb
But
As the struggle ebbs
New sparks ignite
And I find the strength
To rise again
From the ashes
Of my existence
I burn hotter
Brighter
Than before

This poem first appeared in Spirit of Strength (Voices Literary Magazine).
© 2004 Miriam Ruff

 

 

Miriam Ruff is a writer and editor. Though she received her degree in Zoology, she quickly moved on to other pursuits; most notably, she spent several years in the film industry, eventually moving up to writing and producing short screenplays. She has also written, produced, and directed several full-cast audio dramas, which have played nationally on public radio. While she tackles all forms of writing, from corporate newsletters to educational material to healthcare and education blogs, Miriam finds that writing short stories, poetry, and novels (mostly science fiction) provide the most satisfying outlets for her imagination, as well as the most direct, and rewarding, connection with the reader. Her work has appeared in the Journal of Humanistic Psychology as well as in assorted newsletters, websites, and anthologies. Miriam lives in the Washington, DC, area and is currently developing a series of novels based on one of her short stories. Learn more about Miriam at www.bumbershootwriting.com.

Amazon ProductAmazon ProductBuy Now

 



Post New Comment:
Donal Mahoney:
I love the craft with which this poem was written--not a wasted word, not a word misplaced.
Posted 03/22/2011 05:41 AM
Gary Busha:
I love poems about the Phoenix. This is a good one, and inspiring as well.
Posted 03/22/2011 04:47 AM
Contents of this web site and all original text and images therein are copyright © by Your Daily Poem. All rights reserved.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Purchasing books through any poet's Amazon links helps to support Your Daily Poem.
The material on this site may not be copied, reproduced, downloaded, distributed, transmitted, stored, altered, adapted,
or otherwise used in any way without the express written permission of the owner.